Chapter 27

That morning, the sun had just revealed its rays on the eastern horizon when the soldiers and I woke up. The cool morning air brushed my face, refreshing my mind after a short sleep. We were still in the middle of the vast, desolate plain, accompanied only by the sound of the gentle wind and the birds that had begun to chirp. I let out a long breath, feeling the excitement swell in my chest. Today, our journey would continue, and I felt more confident than ever that the steps I was taking would bring me closer to solving the problems in the Kingdom of Jordan.

“Let’s pack up the tents,” I ordered in a more cheerful voice than usual. The soldiers were soon on the move, busy packing up the tents and equipment we’d used last night. Everything went smoothly, as usual, although I could feel a hint of fatigue lingering from the previous battle. However, their spirits remained high, and I was confident we could finish this journey well.

Even though we, especially me, didn’t know what we would face next after this, I tried to be cheerful in front of them so that this trip would be enjoyable and we wouldn’t be haunted by fear and anxiety about the challenges we would face at the next destination.

While watching my soldiers pack up, my mind refocused on my mission. If I can solve the kingdom’s problems, then maybe yes, just maybe the arranged marriage imposed by King Domiano can be stopped. I knew he was up to something big with the arranged marriage, but if I could prove myself as a person capable of solving the kingdom’s big problems, perhaps King Domiano would reconsider his decision. At least, I hope so.

I’m hoping for too much, but what’s wrong with hoping? And I also felt that if I just stayed in the palace without doing anything the intensity of my encounters with those two stubborn figures would become more frequent.

Therefore, I thought to keep myself busy so that I wouldn’t meet them too often. Because at the end of the meeting, the two of them would argue and fight over me and that would only make me more dizzy.

‘I have to finish this,’ I thought, steeling myself. ‘There is no other way. And also if it’s not resolved it will be too much of a burden because I’m afraid my soldiers and I have already traveled quite far and if it’s not resolved then it will only be a waste of money and a waste of time. And it might slow down the possibility of me being able to settle the matter of my match.”

When everything was ready, we prepared to continue our journey. I led the group, striding with confidence towards the Southeast region that was our next destination. However, before we could really go far, suddenly a low-flying pigeon approached us. A messenger pigeon. It had clearly come from the palace.

“Halt for a moment,” I said to my soldiers. They immediately obeyed my order, stopping in place and waiting quietly while I caught the pigeon. There was a piece of paper tied to its leg, and I quickly untied it.

I was curious about the contents of the letter. I wondered if it was a reply to the messages I had sent before leaving. Or perhaps it contained another message from King Domiano for me.

My heart beat a little faster when I opened the letter. Whenever I received a message from the palace, especially from King Domiano, I always felt that there was something important and it was usually never good news. I started reading the contents of the letter, and sure enough, my suspicions were confirmed.

The message was from King Domiano, and he was asking me not to continue my journey to the Southeast. My eyebrows immediately furrowed. Why did he suddenly forbid me? Wasn’t this just an opportunity to prove myself?

I’m annoyed at the sudden decision that came out of that man’s mind. What was wrong with me continuing my journey since we hadn’t told him about the obstacles we faced, in addition to the feud between us and the Cheza tribe earlier.

I read further, hoping to get a more detailed explanation. In the letter, King Domiano explained that the Southeast region was currently in a state of emergency. Warfare between the Kingdom of Bordan and the Kingdom of Fiodori was raging there, and in his opinion, the situation was too dangerous for me to get involved. I must return home immediately, he said.

I don’t understand how dangerous it can be but the word warfare is something extraordinary and this is not just a small war but a war between two kingdoms. However, us going there does not mean that we will immediately take up weapons and participate in the war directly.

I also have a strategy and we came there just to observe first and if possible we will help solve the problem and if not we will find another way. Does King Domiano think I’m that stupid?

I snorted softly, disappointed. “What a pity,” I thought as I stared at the letter. “I think it would have been better if I had gone anyway. If I can help resolve this conflict, doesn’t it show that I’m capable of handling the kingdom’s big problems?”

However, the orders from King Domiano were clear. He was telling me to go home, and although he didn’t force his words, I knew he was serious. It wasn’t the first time he’d tried to stop me, but this time I felt I couldn’t simply obey his orders.

Several soldiers approached me, their faces showing worry. “Your Majesty,” one of them spoke carefully, “King Domiano has asked us not to continue this journey. Perhaps we should return to the palace.”

I stared at the soldier, feeling slightly annoyed even though I knew he was just doing his duty. “Are you going home?” I asked in a sharp tone, though I tried to hold it in. “This journey is too important to stop halfway.”

“Sorry, Your Majesty,” the soldier replied, more firmly this time. “But you also already know the trouble spots there through King Domiano. King Domiano must already know the intricacies of matters in the Southeast. It would be safer for us to return home.”

I paused for a moment, considering. I knew they only cared about my safety, but I couldn’t just give up. The war in the Southeast may be dangerous, but I believe I can help. If I go back now, all this effort will be in vain. Besides, the longer I’m here, the more likely the arranged marriage will continue. I must do something to change this fate.

“Our journey would be a pity if it wasn’t completed to the end,” I said finally, my voice sounding calmer, but still firm. “I don’t want to go home because I want to finish this journey.”

The soldiers exchanged glances, clearly confused and unsure of what to do. They knew that King Domiano’s orders could not be ignored, but on the other hand, they also knew that I was their leader here. Whatever decision I make, they must follow it.

“Your Majesty,” one of them tried once more, this time in a softer tone. “The war in the Southeast is no small matter. You know very well that the Fiodori Kingdom is not an easy enemy to deal with. If we continue this journey, we may not be able to return safely. Please consider this carefully.”

I let out a long breath, looking at the soldier with a softer gaze. “I know you’re worried, and I appreciate that,” I said honestly. “But if we go home now, everything we’ve been through will be in vain. We’ve come a long way, and I can’t just give up.”

They were silent, still looking doubtful. I could feel the struggle in their hearts between the desire to protect me and the desire to obey King Domiano’s orders.

Of course they must be confused because they have to choose between two very important people. If they didn’t do what King Domiano said, he would be very angry and might punish them. They also didn’t have the heart to leave me alone because they were sure that even if I was unaccompanied I would still continue this journey.

And if I were to experience something bad because I wasn’t accompanied by them as well, it would definitely have an impact on them as well, who would later receive the consequences from King Domino for not taking good care of me.

So they were indeed at fault for having to make sure everything remained okay when there were other orders for that matter.

I stood up straight, looking at them with confidence. “It’s up to you,” I said finally, giving them a difficult choice. “But I’m still not going home. Do you want to follow me or go home according to King Domiano’s orders?”

The sentence came out of my mouth firmly, as an ultimatum. I knew it wouldn’t be an easy decision for them, but I couldn’t back down now. I had to finish this journey, no matter what. If they choose to return home, I can’t blame them. However, I will continue this journey with or without them.

The soldiers looked at each other, and for a moment, no one said anything. I could feel the tension hanging in the air, waiting for their decision. Would they stay with me, or leave me to follow the king’s orders?

I was impulsive enough to make such a statement in front of them. Even though it’s clear that you are actually more important King Demiano’s orders than my request. Asking for my father felt selfish and I also didn’t want to be ruled by King Domiano for once.

I held my breath, waiting for their answer. Their serious faces also made me feel tense and quite serious for now.